Christ's College

With a bit of a tear in my eye it’s time to let you all know that with effect from 22nd December 2009 I shall no longer be the Boatman of Christ’s College Boat Club. It’s been a big decision, but it’s time to move on. And of course there is never a ‘right time’ for such a decision; I’ve anguished about the fact I shall miss the new Boathouse coming to fruition, I shan’t be in post when our University Triallists race their Boat Races in 2010, and I have already pushed out my last set of May Bumps. There are so many milestones for the Club that I want to see and participate in, such as keeping the women moving towards the Bumps Headships, and seeing our First Men’s VIII gain revenge on several clubs who owe us a Bump. However, I truly believe the heart of the Club beats within that characterful Boathouse and in the strength of our teams – it definitely does not reside exclusively in just one person – so I am quite certain all of these things shall be achieved with or without me; I will just be a little envious of my successor when I am watching demurely* from the sidelines!!

So on to news of the term thus far... Christ’s girl Edwina Surtees was elected Cambridge University Lightweight Women’s Captain, and is joined at Trials by Pippa Hammond, Penny Thuesen and Mary Bjorkegren. Liz Box (the Cox!) is trialling for CUBC and is doing rather well – we have high hopes for her adding a Blue to her Lightweight Men’s victory at Henley Boat Races last Easter. She is joined there at Trials by Mark Lawrence, our 6ft7in undergraduate – he’s survived the main cut of the term and will race the Fullers Fours Head in London on 14th November so things look very promising for his hopes of making a crew. Meanwhile my spies tell me that he is in any case delighted to be present for the milestone achievement of receiving the training kit handout! Ward commitments have prevented Vin Shen Ban from continuing his trialling with CULRC, but overall we continue to have people aspiring to the top which can only be good for the May Term and for the culture of the Club.

Concurrently we have launched a new batch of novices onto the ever-busy Cam. Slightly down on numbers this year we are intending to promote a second round of novice rowing in Lent Term so that this term’s complement of 2 men’s and women’s VIIIs respectively can be boosted. (Having another VIII of novices this academic year is critical to maintaining the depth within the Club, particularly this year when so many of the men’s First VIII are graduating this year.) Nevertheless I am really pleased with the development of the 4 crews that we do have. We’ve seen a return to undergraduates coaching the novices, which I feel reflects an increased technical competence within the Club, and of course this strengthens the relationships across the Club. At Queens’ Erg Competition last night we put in some sterling performances - emails this morning reflected the immense pride that our Lower Boats Captains feel in their charges. (Results have not yet been published so we don’t have final positions yet!) What a healthy position to be leaving the Club in – can’t wait for Junior Fairbairns to pit ourselves against the clock.
Meanwhile the Seniors started the year with a very well-organised training camp on the Cam, and for the first time in many years the men’s club is fielding 2 VIIIs in Fairbairns, about which we’re very pleased. All 4 Coxed Fours performed well in University Fours, including a superb win by the women in the Plate competition. The next big event for the Seniors is Fairbairns on 4th December; we also have Crustaceans crews racing and are excited about welcoming everyone into a buzzing Boathouse!

There’s really far too little space to detail all the remarkable things that are afoot here in the Club; suffice to say that my time here has been a pleasure and a privilege, and I shall be incredibly sad to leave despite being excited about my next move. It would be impossible to identify the best moment, but all of my favourite memories have been about people, rather than events. Vivid recollections of the emotions and relationships that characterise the best teams, the best performances, the highest endeavours. Joy in the fellowship and camaraderie and closeness that ‘messing about in boats’ engenders.

I’m going to be working in London from January in Fleet Street, so if anyone fancies a coffee and a reminisce about the happy days of messing about on the river do contact me! My email address will be kat.astley@cantab.net . Failing that I shall look forward to seeing many of you at Henley or future May Bumps picnics! Thank you to everyone who has helped or encouraged me since 2006, particularly to Robin Kerr whose support and friendship I value beyond measure.

Kat Astley (Boatman)

*Demure? Not a chance! I shall be forever a Christ’s girl, and shall be whooping, hollering, whistling and cheering my way along the riverbank at every possible opportunity in support of our crews! Hope to see you there!